- Covers up to 100% of the costs1 of a STEM graduate degree (MS, MEng, DEng)2
- Flexible repayment options including in-school deferment and interest-only payments
- No application fees, origination fees, or prepayment penalties
Here are our current STEM school loan interest rates:
Variable rates
3.89%
to 15.99% APR
Fixed rates
2.59%
to 15.99% APR
(all rates shown include auto-pay discount)3
Should I choose a Variable or Fixed Rate?
When choosing a STEM loan, interest rates play an important role. Understanding the difference between fixed and variable rates can help you select the option that best fits your financial and long-term career goals.
Variable Rate
3.89%
to 15.99% APR
*all rates shown include auto-pay discount3
Variable interest rates are tied to a market index and will fluctuate - up or down - over time with the market. This will change your monthly payment amount.
Changes to the rate are typically based on a publicly available interest rate index such as the prime rate or SOFR.
Fixed Rate
2.59%
to 15.99% APR
*all rates shown include auto-pay discount3
Fixed interest rates stay the same for the entire repayment period. You will have the same monthly payment amount every month after entering full repayment.
How Does Our STEM Graduate Loan Compare?
| College Ave | Sallie Mae | Citizens Bank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEM specific loan available |
|
|
|
| Number of repayment options |
4 |
|
|
| Select your own repayment term |
|
|
|
| Apply in as Little as 3 Minutes |
|
|
|
| Grace Period | 9 months |
|
|
*Comparisons based on information obtained on lenders’ websites as of January 28th, 2026.
Graduate Loans Built for your STEM Degree
Pursuing an advanced degree is a major step, and we're here for it. Our STEM graduate student loan come with flexible terms, competitive rates, and zero hidden fees. Whether you're heading into a science, technology, engineering or mathematics program, we help you stay focused on your goals, not your finances.
Support with A Cosigner
Cosigners play a crucial role in helping students - even graduate students - access the money they need for college. Cosigners make it possible for lenders to offer financing that might otherwise be out of reach for students on their own. Simply put, they help open the door to opportunity, offering the support students need to take that next big step in their career with confidence.
0%
of approved graduate loans are cosigned.7
0%
of prospective graduate students plan to use private student loans to fund their graduate education.6
Our clear and easy application takes just minutes!
1
Evaluate your graduate school program length, timing, along with your credit score and financial situation.
Understand your current financial standing, including your credit score and any existing debt. Consider how long you plan to be in graduate school and how much you can comfortably borrow. Graduate students can apply to cover their full program year, giving you confidence grad school is covered.
2
Weigh the importance of loan repayment terms, grace periods and deferment.
When deciding to go to graduate school, you will need to find a loan that fits your program. College Ave offers graduate loans structured for your degree, like deferment while in residency, clerkship or fellowship.
3
Compare interest rates from private lenders and evaluate originations fees.
Compare rates from lenders and be sure to consider any origination fees that may be associated with taking a loan. Taking the time to compare lenders side by side can help you feel confident you’re choosing the best option for your financial goals, with fewer surprises down the road.
4
Take the Next Step in Your Career with College Ave
Ensure your graduate school is fully covered with a private student loan from College Ave. Once approved, we’ll work directly with your school to certify the loan, making it an easy process and setting you up for success.
1
Evaluate your graduate school program length, timing, along with your credit score and financial situation.
Understand your current financial standing, including your credit score and any existing debt. Consider how long you plan to be in graduate school and how much you can comfortably borrow. Graduate students can apply to cover their full program year, giving you confidence grad school is covered.
2
Weigh the importance of loan repayment terms, grace periods and deferment.
When deciding to go to graduate school, you will need to find a loan that fits your program. College Ave offers graduate loans structured for your degree, like deferment while in residency, clerkship or fellowship.
3
Compare interest rates from private lenders and evaluate originations fees.
Compare rates from lenders and be sure to consider any origination fees that may be associated with taking a loan. Taking the time to compare lenders side by side can help you feel confident you’re choosing the best option for your financial goals, with fewer surprises down the road.
4
Take the Next Step in Your Career with College Ave
Ensure your graduate school is fully covered with a private student loan from College Ave. Once approved, we’ll work directly with your school to certify the loan, making it an easy process and setting you up for success.
FAQ's for STEM Graduate Student Loans
-
Who is eligible for a STEM graduate loan?
College Ave's STEM loan can be used for graduate pursuing your science, technology, engineering, and mathematics degree (MS, MEng, DEng, etc.).
-
What is the maximum amount you can take out in student loans for my STEM program?
The answer is, "it depends". It depends on whether you're taking out a federal student loan or a private student loan for school.
As of July 1, 2026, new STEM school graduate students can take out up to $20,500 in Federal Direct unsubsidized loans each year they're in school with a lifetime/aggregate limit of $100,000.
Previously, Federal Direct PLUS loans for graduate school (also referred to as Grad PLUS loans) did not have an annual cap, you can borrow up to your cost of attendance each year. However, Grad PLUS loans are being eliminated from the federal student loan program for new borrowers as of July 1, 2026, with the passage of new legislation in July 2025 (also referred to as the "One Big Beautiful Bill").
If you're taking out a private STEM school student loan, the maximum amount you can borrow may depend on the lender. College Ave's STEM student loan allow you to borrow up to the total cost of attendance1 for school, minus any federal loans, grants, scholarships, and other aid you may have received.
-
Can I use my STEM loan to pay for housing or living expenses?
Yes, your STEM school loan can be used for any expenses included in your school's certified cost of attendance, including housing, meals, and transportation.
-
Do I have to make payments while in school?
While you do not need to make payments while in school, borrowers who choose to make in-school payments (like interest-only or flat $25/month) may receive lower interest rates and save significantly on total loan cost.
-
When does my grace period begin once I graduate?
Grace periods begin once you graduate, enter post-graduate training or are enrolled in school less than half time. Our STEM graduate loan offers a 9-month grace period.
Footnotes
1
As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000. Maximum $150,000.
2
You must be enrolled in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math graduate program at an eligible school to qualify for the College Ave STEM Loan.
3
Variable rates may increase after consummation. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
4
This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a first year graduate student borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 6.27% fixed Annual Percentage Rate ("APR"): 33 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $145.75 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $14,817.03. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
5
This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a first-year graduate student borrower who selects the Deferred Repayment Option with a 10-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.10% fixed Annual Percentage Rate ("APR"): 120 monthly payments of $141.66 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $16,699.21. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
6
College Ave survey was conducted by Hanover Research®. The national online survey included current graduate students or prospective graduate students. The survey had 550 respondents and was fielded in September 2025.
7
Based on College Ave's internal loan data for approved graduate loans. Percentage may vary by applicant credit profile, program, and time period.